H.B. 1931 Summary

• Appropriates $1,000,000 from general revenues for fiscal year 2024-2025 to the University of Hawaii Institute for Astronomy to support STEM workforce development programs.

• Funds $700,000 for salaries and fringe benefits of five full-time positions: Space Sciences Workforce Development Program Manager ($200,000), Maunakea Scholars Program Coordinator ($120,000), administrative clerk ($80,000), Akamai Internship Program Administrator ($180,000), and Akamai Internship Program Coordinator ($120,000).

• Allocates $300,000 for office equipment and supplies for the Maunakea Scholars Program and Akamai Internship Program.

• Authorizes exceeding the state general fund expenditure ceiling for fiscal year 2024-2025 to support STEM career pathways from high school through employment, including programs serving nearly 1,000 students across Hawaii islands.

• Effective July 1, 2024.